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Arts & Entertainment

McCoy on Movies: Highest 2 Lowest

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Denzel Washington takes a musical journey to explore a man’s
morality, legacy in Spike Lee’s latest

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

 
HIGHEST 2 LOWEST 
 
“I’ll just throw on a Yankees cap and no one will know I’m Denzel Washington … At best,
they’ll think I’m just Mariano Rivera …”  David King (Denzel Washington) takes a
very compromising ride in a scene from Spike Lee’s HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. © 2025 A24.

All Rights Reserved.

 

 
What is the price of fame and success? Can you retain the love of what brought you fame when the demands of your industry make it so much easier to copy and paste what’s popular versus striving for something original and true? What is the common thread between someone who wants to achieve the high life and someone who simply needs the opportunity to achieve it? 
 
While these are the central themes in Spike Lee’s modern take of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, the only question a potential movie goer needs to ask is the following: How much do you feel like diving into a tale as old as time that featuring a fresh coat of digital paint for the modern world? As music mogul David King, the man with “the best ears in the business,” Denzel Washington still knows how to take command of a scene, even when it may not be that compelling. 
 
Then again, Spike Lee throws in all his trademark love letter to New York elements well to advance the story of King, forced to decide between his money and saving the life of Kyle (Elijah Wright), the son of his chauffeur, Alan (Jeffrey Wright). The film’s best sequences occur hen using music – the famed Puerto Rican Day parade accentuated by the sounds of the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra as a backdrop for a key sequence, an intense lyrical back-and-forth between King and aspiring rapper Yung Felon (A$AP Rocky) – sticking with the film’s exploration of what type of a man King is: Will he be one that that values money and his legacy more than doing what is right .. Or can he do what is right at the risk of everything he has worked so hard to achieve going up in flames? While not exactly a perfect journey, it is one audiences (especially longstanding Washington fans) are more likely to enjoy than not.
 
RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

Shakespeare in South Park

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The 16th annual Shakespeare in South Park presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor”
August 15, 16, and 17th at 8 pm
Come enjoy this famous work of humor and poetry! Open to the public and free (donations gratefully accepted).
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to South Park Green (Hickory at James).
If it rains, the performance will take place at Veritas Church, 500 Hickory.

McCoy on Movies: Weapons

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Weapons delivers imaginative, twisty suspense in market lacking such

“Hello, I’m a creepy child with a smile to match … What could go wrong?!” Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher) in a scene from writer/director Zach Creeger’s WEAPONS. © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

CAST: 

Julia Garner (Justine Gandy)

Josh Brolin (Archer)

Alden Ehrenreich (Paul)

Benedict Wong (Andrew)

Amy Madigan (Gladys)

Austin Abrams (James)

Cary Christopher (Alex Lilly)

Toby Huss (The Captain)

 

WRITER /DIRECTOR: Zach Cregger

THE PLOT: WEAPONS introduces us to Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), a third grade teacher in the suburbs of Pennsylvania (or at least, one can assume that based on the colors on the license plate on her Toyota RAV4). Justine is not having a good day … And neither are the parents of the 17 children in her classroom that all have suddenly gone missing after running out of the front doors of their homes at exactly 2:17 a.m. Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), however, seems to be just fine since he was the only one that showed up to her room the next day. 

 

While parents such as Archer (Josh Brolin) are calling for Justine’s head as he is convinced she knows more than what she’s telling, her principal Andrew (Benedict Wong) and her police officer ex-flame Paul (Alden Enrenreich) believe she’s telling the truth. But given the fact that Justine (A) has what could be perceived as a problem with alcohol and (B) was let go from her previous school, you can (C) see why more people in town are not convinced she’s as innocent as she says. 

 

But as all their stories begin to intersect, it becomes clear something evil is afoot … And this small town may never be the same ever again. 

THE REVIEW: “Well … that was … different.”

If you’ve seen one and/or both of the trailers for WEAPONS, you already know that seeing scores of people running in a trance-like state at full speed would be cause for concern in the real world … So it might come as a bit of a surprise that the film is a MUCH slower burn than you might originally believe. Likewise, whereas there is some definite gore and violence, WEAPONS is much more story driven than it is by the former, so those coming a typical hack-and-slash might need to pump the brakes on that expectation.

 

There are some issues with WEAPONS that keep it from being as great as it could be. There’s some foreshadowing that can be hard to ignore, the characters – Garner’s in particular – utilize logic that at times seems to show the absence of any and the ending may leave some desiring a bit more answers since some open-ended questions definitely remain. What the film has going for it, however, is a bit of unexpectedness to it that makes up for it that, for the average person, is enough to keep them intrigued until the film’s final act pieces everything together as to why what is happening is happening (for the most part).

In an era where most horror movies are really just psychological thrillers with a lot of cursing and jump scare scenes, WEAPONS manages to come armed with enough tension and surprise to make most moviegoers not wanting to draw one demanding a refund. Just know that whatever you think you’re getting, you likely are not … Even if you jump ahead and start to figure things out before Justine and Archer do.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

Dayton Porchfest is back on August 16th

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Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

  • 12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
  • 1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
  • 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

  • Bring water and stay hydrated
  • While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
  • This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
  • Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.

Dayton Poetry Slam

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Dayton’s longest running poetry show is celebrating it’s 24th year.  Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, at Yellow Cab Tavern.  The show is open to all ages and poetic styles.  Great food, wonderful poetry, and a great environment make this the perfect show for you to get out and enjoy the words of others all for only $3.  More information on our website daytonpoetryslam.com and on all social media platforms.

McCoy on Movies: FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

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Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm (Vanessa
Kirby), Reed Richard (Pedro Pascal) and Johnny Storm
(Joseph Quinn) prepare for the moment in
FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.
© 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

You have to give Marvel Studios credit. For with there already being four – yes, FOUR – Fantastic Four films in existence (in case you didn’t know, there’s a 1994 B-movie that predates all the turn of the century versions and it’s … yeah), bringing Marvel’s first family to life has never been an easy challenge. This isn’t even factoring in supposed “super hero fatigue” coupled with the rise in Internet chatter about “woke” superheroes. (While the film mostly avoided the latter, some were miffed that Pedro ‘I’m now starring in EVERYTHING’ Pascal is taking up the mantle of Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic.)
 
In the case of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, director Matt Shakman has delivered what is easily the best take on the heroic quartet – in this case, taking place on Earth 818 and not the main 616 where we “live” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whereas Pascal is able to capture the genius-yet-socially-awkward-but-underlying-caring nature of Richards greatly, Kirby makes Sue Storm’s dedication to both Reed and the concept of family integral to both the team and the overall story. Quinn captures Storm’s hotheaded (pun intended) nature, but balances it with an intelligence previous versions haven’t often shown. The most intriguing individual may be Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing, which focuses on all the elements of humanity his character tries to maintain despite his physical stature.
 
Now, how this iteration of the Four eventually make their collective way to Earth 616 remains a mystery, one which is only intensified by one of the two post-credit scenes following the film’s conclusion. But in the meantime, FIRST STEPS takes significant ones at re-establish the importance of the Fantastic Four along with their potential for the next phase of the MCU.
 
For longstanding fans of the comic book quartet, that’s a fantastic prospect to look forward to in the future.
RATING:

 

 

Gotha Handbell Choir Concert

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The Handbell Choir of St. Augustine Lutheran Church in Gotha, Germany embarks on its sixth tour in Ohio, ending with a concert at Epiphany on SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, at 7 p.m. in the Far Hills Sanctuary.

This ensemble was founded in 1987 through the efforts of Epiphany Lutheran in Dayton and Pastor Larry Hoffsis and his wife Cindy, who travelled to West Germany and brought sets of bells through the Iron Curtain. The current choir consists of 15 youth and adults, ringing five+ octaves of handbells.

This concert is free and open to the public with a free-will offering accepted. Invite your friends and family!

Yellow Springs Film Fest Kickoff to Feature Kevin Nealon

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The Yellow Springs Film Festival is a celebration of creativity, connection and innovative performances exhibiting narrative and documentary feature films, shorts of all genres, stand up comedy and live music. The festival takes place annually, the first weekend in October.  Announcement of their kick off party for the 3rd annual  festival has revealed stand up comedian Kevin Nealon will be their special guest.

Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor and comedian who sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and received critical acclaim for his role in the hit Showtime series Weeds. Kevin currently produces and hosts his digital series Hiking with Kevin, and tours his stand-up globally. He will be releasing his latest book, I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame (Abrams), on October 25, 2022. Part art book, part memoir — the book is full of original full-color caricatures Kevin has created along with funny, endearing personal essays about his famous friends. Past guests include Michael Keaton, Jimmy Kimmel, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Cheryl Hines, Ray Romano, Al Franken, Hilary Swank, Kumail Nanjiani, Kate Beckinsale, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, and more.

As one of the longest running cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (1986-1995), Nealon created some of the show’s most memorable characters, including ‘The Subliminal Man’ and ‘Hans and Franz.’ Nealon’s recurring role as an anchor on ‘Weekend Update’ helped make the sketch a show staple. In 1988, he earned an Emmy nomination as part of the SNL writing team.

Each year YSFF gives a $3,000 prize through the Julia Reichert Award to an emerging female documentary filmmaker. In addition each year the festival provides a free educational seminar open to the public and partners with Wavelength Productions to showcase a program of short films directed by female or non-binary BIPOC filmmakers. 

The kickoff is Friday, October 3 · 5 – 6:30pm at the Foundry Theater at Antioch College.  Tickets can be purchased online for $40. Announcements of films to be screened and special events still to come.

Culture Works to Host A Regency Ball

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Culture Works invites you to be transported to a time of elegance, wit, and refined revelry at a Regency Ball on November 14, 2025. Join them for an immersive evening that celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, raises monies for the arts, and adds a piquant Regency flair to the season.

Whether you’re a seasoned historical dancer or a newcomer lured by the romance of empire-waist gowns and cravats, the Culture Works Regency Ball offers a unique opportunity to experience the grace and gaiety of a bygone era. Guests may choose Creative Black Tie or Regency Inspired formal wear. Reach out to local purveyors of finery, then don your flowing muslins, military coats, and dainty slippers—and come ready to promenade, converse, and waltz the night away under the glittering Arcade dome.

In the Regency period, such an evening would unfold in two parts: a select number of guests would be invited to join the dinner party before the dancing begins—an honor traditionally reserved for close acquaintances or distinguished guests. Following the meal, the ballroom would open to all attendees for the main event: an elegant night of dancing, music, and merriment. This tiered structure reflects the customs of the era, when invitations to dinner were limited and intimate, while the ball itself welcomed a broader assembly for socializing and spirited revelry.

In true Regency fashion, Culture Works is offering multiple options for participation. Begin your evening at 6:30 pm with a sit-down dinner from Bernstein’s Fine Catering, where guests are invited to engage in social intercourse and enjoy a meal inspired by historic menus, and complimented by fine wines. 

Then enter the ballroom where an ensemble will set the tone, playing the music of the era as renowned dance callers Tom and Toni Tumbusch guide you through the steps of traditional country dances. No partner? No experience? No problem—dances are taught and called in the moment, and the emphasis is on the festive, not perfection. Even Mr. Collins could show a fine leg under the Tumbuschs’ tutelage.

Or you can enter the ballroom at 8:30 pm, fresh from your dressing table. Late entry tickets allow guests to choose to be announced as they enter the ballroom. Then join in the dancing of traditional country dances, sample delicious desserts, enjoy complimentary punch, and use your drink tickets to enjoy something a bit stronger. Culture Works passport holders receive a $10.00 discount on late entry ball tickets, just enter your valid passport number on the ticket page.

Curtis Bowman, Director of Engagement for Culture Works, says “this Regency Ball is more than just a dance, it’s a celebration of community, culture, and imagination. From the moment you step through the door, you’re stepping into another world—one where letters arrive by post, glances across the ballroom matter, and every turn on the dance floor tells a story.” 

So press your gloves, polish your shoes, and prepare for an unforgettable night of elegance, connection, and time-traveling delight. One may use these links to acquire Tickets or engage as a Sponsor. We are so looking forward to it, there is no felicity like a ball. 

Artist Talk: Scarlett Trust

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Christine Gaffney is an interdisciplinary artist who recently received her MFA from CalArts and lives in the Dayton region. Gaffney’s sculptures and videos act as intimate self-portraits and reflections of her psyche and the complexities and dualities in female identities.

This event is FREE and open to all.

Tommy Davidson Returns to Funny Bone

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Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show In Living Color, his visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent. Davidson started his career as a standup comedian in Washington DC, earning an ardent following. Tommy and Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans and David Alan Grier — the uniquely talented cast of the most adventurous primetime variety show on television, In Living Color (1990), made TV history.

 

The iconic sketch show was recently honored with the ‘Groundbreaking Award” by TV Land in a star-studded salute guided by Whoopi Goldberg and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Tommy’s film debut started opposite Halle Berry in Strictly Business. A range of feature film roles from Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, where he received acclaim and praise for his turn as “Womack/Sleep ‘N Eats,” to Juwanna Mann (Morgan Creek) and the pivotal cameo in Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura II: When Nature Calls, followed. Recently, he starred in the landmark, award-winning documentary, I Am Comic, opposite Tim Allen, Lewis Black and in the feature doc, Dying Laughing, alongside Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman.

His elasticity as a performer is seen on the small screen with standout guest stints ranging from MTV’s Wild n’ Out with Nick Cannon, BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood opposite Kevin Hart, to ABC’s Celebrity Wife Swap. As a voice artist, America fell in love with Tommy as the star of Will Smith’s animated series, Youngin’s, Disney’s animated series The Proud Family, and alongside Michael Jai White in the critically-lauded spoof comedy, Black Dynamite (Adult Swim) as the character ‘Cream Corn.’
Tommy spent 3 years hosting ABC’s Vacation Creation, where the show grants once-in-a-lifetime cruises to deserving families who would never be able to afford them. Tommy’s stand up dates always sell out. He currently headlines “Off Color Comedy Tour” with Keenan Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans and David Alan Grier prompting all to ask,” Is ILC coming back?” He is also currently touring with Mike Epps and Martin Lawrence. In February 2020, Tommy released a personal memoir titled “Living in Color: What’s Funny about Me” which recounts his personal triumphs as having been abandoned as in infant, adopted and raised by a Caucasian family in Washington DC during the Civil Rights Movement. Also his sustainability in Hollywood and his experience with Race in the US. With Disney+ recently announcing the 2nd season of The Proud Family.

McCoy on Movies: Superman

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James Gunn brings humanity to an alien character with DC Universe lead film reboot

SUPERMAN

The most controversial movie of the year focuses on the choices we make as humans, what makes us human, fear of those different than us and takes aim at the evil corporations and billionaires do under the guise of helping society all while showing a person of color as one of the smartest on earth.
 

Go figure.

The first official cinematic entry in James Gunn’s tenure as the head of the DC Comics Cinematic Universe, SUPERMAN – the 2025 version – can be viewed in one of two ways: (1) This is a super “woke” (which ironically is the opposite of “asleep,” but that’s another conversation entirely …) film where an alien makes us look at our fear of those different from us, how they could take over and showing us this unrealistic view where all these DEI hires have to “save us” from evil, white, male billionaires …


OR

(2) This is a multi-layered film that, while not perfect, makes a character that has been portrayed historically as having one weakness as being vulnerable – not just to kryptonite, but a world that doesn’t understand him and at times, fears him. This is a film that likewise shows the true danger of letting the rich run wild with unchecked power, how propaganda can be near fatal to thought, progression and society … All while throwing in a mix of humor, secondary characters that actually contribute significantly to a story and a lead perfectly cast for his role.

Smart fans will take the latter approach.

RATING:

 

Shrek The Musical

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Join Epiphany Players Drama Ministry for their 34th musical as Aaron Brewer debuts as Director, with Music Director Kandis Gibson and Producers Michele Borns and Megan Wean Sears.  Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.

PERFORMANCES: July 10-20, 2025

Thurs-Sat, July 10-12 | 7 PM
Sun, July 13 | 2 PM Matinee
Thurs-Sat, July 17-19 | 7 PM
Sun, July 20 | 2 PM Matinee

Tickets: $18 Adults/$15 Seniors, Students & Military. Purchase online.

Hosted by Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Learn more about Epiphany Players at our website.

McCoy on Movies: JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH

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JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH
There’s an old adage that says, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” In the case of JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH, one might say, “Give a film studio a dinosaur and they’ll give an audience one really great movie. Let that same studio have a bunch of dinosaurs and they’ll give audiences the same formula with a few tweaks and watch as they keep buying tickets.”
There’s a scene early on in REBIRTH where Rupert Friend’s character explains to Scarlett Johansson’ character that over time, people lost interest in dinosaurs. That should serve as enough of a warning to the savvy film viewer to know that the next two hours are going to feature what you already know to expect from a Jurassic World film:
  • An evil corporate person who always thinks of profit over anything else to their own demise;
  • A nerdy scientist who values dinosaurs more than humans the way people who love dogs but have few friends do their pets;
  • Another example of helicopters NOT being a good idea in these situations;
  • Soldiers who seem to be trained at the Acme school of bad henchmen;
  • A character that seems like a goof at first but shows redeeming qualities;
  • A scared child that should never have been in this situation in the first place; and
  • A monster hybrid dinosaur that no one in their right mind would ever create, attendance needs of the actual park be damned.
So, despite the film’s title, there’s absolutely nothing new happening in JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH. But given the film’s massive July Fourth weekend box office tally, expect another Jurassic World film to spawn within the next 2-4 years.
RATING:

Matilda: The Musical at La Comedia

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Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes her extraordinary personality.

The school’s mean headmistress, however, hates children and loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the students’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Matinees: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: Arrival time, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Buffet opens around 11:15, show begins around 12:30 p.m.

Evenings: Thursday – Sunday: Arrival time, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Buffet opens around 6:15 p.m., show begins around 7:30 p.m.